You know, people always say a Tour agency normally puts tourists up in the best Hotel & let them eat the best yummiest food on their last night & day in a Tour package – which is very true indeed just like we’ve just had a very good cosy overnight stay, & now the BEST Intercontinental Breakfast (the best Hotel & Breakfast of our entire Silk Road Trip!!) here at Mirage Hotel – making all of us so satisfied & happy, especially when we’re also going back home Singapore today  REALLY MISS HOME!!

And yes, it’s Mid-Autumn Festival (or Mooncake Festival) today – us having celebrated it just last night at Dong Fang Long (Eastern Dragon) with much laughters & cheers upon fun-loving Birthday Uncle’s Hokkien Songs entertainment hahaaa!!

HAPPY Mooncake Festival to all as I strike a pose for the camera by the side of Urumqi street outside Mirage Hotel :

Back inside the very lovely Hotel Lobby with a Sculptured Wall filled with World’s famous Landmarks such as The Pisa in Italty, Rialto Bridge in Venice, Pyramids & Sphinx in Eygpt, Colosseum in Rome, Great Wall of China etc - I like it so much!!!

My lady Tour mates all love what I’m wearing today – especially my Red hooded Bubble Dress which I bought at Kuitun, & my Orange leather suade Shoes from Dunhuang - they all agree I’m a good shopaholic buyer hahahaaaa

Pics with fellow Tour mates at Mirage Hotel Lobby while waiting to leave for Urumqi Airport :

Ha so many already prepacked Boxes of Fruits available here in Urumqi Airport – still remember Mom & Dad always tell me that there’re plentiful Fruits ready for Sales in most China Airports – which they always buy & bring back home whenever they travel to China since I was at a very age……………hmmmm such as the huge Chinese Pears & Peaches etc – all so fresh sweet juicy & I’m always the 1st one to pry open their Boxes hahaahha!!!

Huge beautiful looking Artillery Shell Melons :

And well…………………….

Heehehehe this Box of yummy fresh Xinjiang Grapes cost only 40 Yuans (RMB) – specials from our Tour Guide’s recommendation (at another Airport Fruits Shop!!) - bought specially for Mom & Dad – though I wish I’ve more strength to hand carry more other Fruits home

Some shopping time here at Urumqi Airport before our Departure to Chengdu :

Hey there’re even Xinjiang Nangs available here

Inflight Lunch time now aboard our domestic Flight from Urumqi to Chengdu - ho ho I really like this below huge pretty PINK Desserts Box - & there’s even a piece of Mooncake cos it’s Mid-Autumn Festival today

As usual besides enjoying the yummy Inflight meals (in this case the thick Black Pepper Roast Beef’s so delicious!!!), I often love looking out of my flight window (always ask for a Window seat ) at the lovely clouds & so beautiful sky……………………..

We’ve now arrived in Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport resting in an Airport Chinese Restaurant waiting for our Flight back home Singapore………….

YES YES so funny cos we’re all (especially the ladies!!) so panicky cos we don wana end up paying huge Taxes upon our Overweight Luggages - I myself even start giving away my body lotions, hand cream etc to the Chinese Restaurant’s waitresses!! So much to their delights ahahahaaa cos they’re all nice imported goods!!!!

Worst of all, our Tour guide Siao Chen’s not here with us here in Chengdu as she’s remained in Urumqi (which happens to be her hometown too!!) - which means we’re totally left on our own DITCH right now!!!

Ohhhhhh what more should we do to save ourselves NOW but to prepare well to pay for the high overweight charges – at least for myself I know very well cos my Luggages are so heavy trust me errhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

Just look at the huge amount of food left on our Dinner plates in the Restaurant cos………………..

But you know what?!?!? All our WORRIES of our Overweight Luggages issues are UNFOUNDED & UNNECESSARY cos we did a Whole Tour Group Check-in, & though almost all our individual Luggages were overweight, none of us was Taxed!!!! We’re so Lucky so Happy we’ve already very safely passed through all the Chinese Customs now just waiting to board our Flight home Singapore WHEW Whew!!!!!!! THANK God!!!

SILLY ME to be worrying much earlier but hey I couldn’t help it cos it’s after all my very 1st time travelling in China, & I”ve never really known & been through a Chinese Customs Checkpoint before!! Anyway………………….

Heheheeee my above Box of Huge Juicy Sweet Honey Peaches (or Shuimitaos) was bought just some 15 mins before boarding our International Flight back home Singapore – cos you’d be surprised there’re Fruits Stalls located just by the sides of Departure Gate A1 here at Urumqi Airport – which makes me in a real excited happy mood since I need not pay for any Overweight charges, & can now freely carry another Box of fresh Fruits home for beloved Mom & Dad

Hmmmm another lovely packed Mooncake for each & everyone of us aboard Flight CA403 - how sweet

Past midnigt now as I land on Singaopore Changi Airport to the very Warm welcome of my family…………………….

Glad that I made it to the Silk Road of China & back home Singapore very safely & healthily

Most of my Tour mates were fallen ill with diarrhea, flu, fever, sprained ankles & legs etc – one Uncle was hospitalised, one Auntie even had her throat stuck so badly with Fish bone (from the deadly full of Bones chinese freshwater Fish!), & had to be taken to Hospital to have it removed

Another lady even missed half her Silk Road of China Trip with us cos she was down with fatique & sickness, & had to stay back alone at Mirage Hotel in Urumqi (since Day 8), while we travelled up to Tianchi Tianshan, Kuitun, Kelamayi, Kanas, then back down to Kelamayi to Urumqi to meet her………………..

To better see how far we’ve travelled up & down along the Mysterious Silk Road of China – here’s a Map :

Well, for myself, I’m very thankful that I’ve been very blessed as I only suffered from slight Sore throat (in Kanas for like only 2 days!!)

This Mysterious Silk Road of China with Orient Deluxe Express Train Trip of mine is a most Cultural & Environmental experience of my life thus far. It was a Tough Trip as I’d to endure the extreme always-changing hot & cold weather, & especially the many Nasty Toilets

And the Train Ride wasn’t really easy, plus the local food wasn’t entirely to our Taste & Appetite (though some were really good & yummy!!), except for the very fresh crunchy vegetables which I ate & enjoyed the most daily Evidently, I lost 2kg (hahaha only 2kg wish I’ve lost more huh!! like my brother-in-law Ah Hia’s 5kg)!!

Personally I feel very lucky, especially compared to the people in the Rural places along the Silk Road of China. I’m indeed very blessed & I’ve gained & learned so much from this Trip to be more contented & apprecaitive towards Life, & to love & treasure people around me more……………….I enjoyed myself tremendously, & had a great wonderful most amazing Silk Road of China Trip!!

Most importantly, Dad has recovered very well from his Hemorrhoid (or Piles - the reason why Ah Hia & I had to replace Dad & Mom to go on this Trip!!) - making this Trip to the Silk Road possible for me. And for allowing me such a great opportunity to see Life in a different perspective.

This Silk Road of China Trip is probably my most invaluable Travelling Experience - THANK YOU Dad & Mom – I love you both so much

And THANK U all my readers for travelling through this fantastic Silk Road of China Trip with me – you guys have been a great Bless!! I hope you enjoy my above last Slideshow of the Trip – & never forgetting to come visit me again when I bring you more beautiful Travelling Stories asap okie

Some time after leaving Kelamayi (or Karamay) now travelling back to Urumqi, we stop for Toilet Break at a Petrol Station – heading straight to the below Public Toilet (or “Gong Ce” in Chinese) & got a shock of our lives!!!!!

GUESS you know why huh?!? Cos it’s another day’s nightmare here along the Silk Road of China arrrrrhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Well well………………..

Arhrhrhaahahaaa that’s exactly what all my other lady tour mates did!!! Ohhh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I’m sure that’s a used Condom right there on the filthy Toilet grounds - I actully just noticed it now upon looking at these pics errrhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

Here’s the Petrol Station – ohhh Shifu Shifu (“Master Driver” in Chinese) should have known better than to stop here for our Toilet Break haaaaaaa I almost puke right after I used it!! In fact some of my lady Tour mates actually did puke even just upon peeping inside!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hours later from our departure from Kelamayi………………

I’m now at the building Lobby of City Restaurant – how nice is this below Chinese characterd Wishing Well - guess what’s in there?!?!!

Hmmmmm 4 little cutie Tortoises swimming in a clean pool of Water with lots many Coins inside the Wishing Well :

NOW MAKE A WISH – hmmmm I so wish that all the fifthy stinky disgusting Toilets along the Silk Road of China disappear!!!!!!!!!! AMEN!!!!

The Chinese Silk Weaving Loom :

We spent some time here inisde this Chinese Silk, Jade & Souvenirs Boutique here……………..

It’s got many beautiful Yengisar Daggers of Xinjiang’s Uygur People :

WOW what a great building here as we arrive at Urumqi City all set eager & ready for our very much long-awaited shopping free – well, at least for me cos I simply love shopping heheheeheeeee PLUS I didnt get to buy anything/souvenir yesterday

A City of 5 million people – Urumqi is the Regional Capital (& the region’s wealthiest City) lying in Northwest Xinjiang where its North lies Russia, Tibet & the Himalayas in its South, & Kazakhstan in its West, & mixing borders with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India & Mongolia as shown in the below Map of Xinjiang :

Now, I cant help featuring close-up views of this beautiful Adili Commerce Hall (where the Xinjiang Silk Road Museum is located on top of luxurious Boutique Shops :)

And yes, many Uygur Muslism women here in Urumqi wear Headscarves too! NOW it’s time to shop :

Midway shopping at Er Dao Qiao Internationl Grand Bazaar (or “Dabazha” or “Dabaza” in Chinese), my brother-in-law Ah Hia & I decided to go somewhere else :

From Tian Bai Min Dian :

Not much time shopping at Tian Bai Min Dian cos we’ve to rush back to the International Grand Bazaar to meet our Tour Coach.

I only managed to purchase the aboves – Well actually, not much use too even if we’ve more time here cos you know why?!?!? We ran out of Yuan (RMB) & the Shopping Mall doesn’t accept Singapore dollars (except US currency I think!!), or any of my Credit Cards except their own Chinese Bank Card which I’ve not got, & there isn’t a Money Changer or Bank around!!

How sad cos if not I’d have bought at least another very sweet Pink Pyjamas for myself, a lovely Bag, another Long Coat perhaps & a few others

Smiling Me standing at International Grand Bazaar :

The Sightseeing Tower here at International Grand Bazaar :

Below are more pics of the bustling Gourmet Square here at International Grand Bazaar :

Some shops here do accept US currencies (which I’ve not got too!) but there’s a nearby Bank where I might be able to change my Singapore dollars into Yuans (RMB), but then it’s time to leave for Dinner

Ahhahaa now back with our Tour guide & mates :

Beautiful Coat huh?!? Some of the lady Tour mates even wana go buy too (but there’s no more time!!) - saying they should have followed me shopping heheee!!! And it cost me only about S$80 (at 70% off original price!!)- I was stunned when I saw its Price Tag cos it’s 100% Wool & with Fox Fur too!! What a fine bargain!! 

In fact I even saw the same Coat recently (at home in Singapore Chinatown) selling at S$380!! But unfortunately, this Coat of mine’s now 2 sizes too big for me – so I’ve actually never had the chance to wear it except this once right here above – now it belongs to my Mummy dearest who looks really gorgeous in it

Hmmm I love this above Huge NANG Can Opener – was looking for Souvenir Fridge Magnets (a usual habit for me wherever I travel!!) in the Bazaar but couldnt find any at all

Nang is my  favourite Xinjiang Cuisine so I’m very happy that I found this Nang Replica, besides it’s got the Emin Minaret (or “Su Gong Ta” in Chinese) design on its back – a real cool Xinjiang Turpan Souvenir for me

Now looking at this Sesame Nang makes me really really hungry – cant wait to have dinner soon!!!

Actually this above special Dish is the famous Xinjiang Uygur Chicken Shou Lamain (Boiled Handmade Noodles) – Mmmm yummy yummy!!!

Haa this below Stirfried Muttons look really yummy – it’s my first time seeing muttons prepared this way as I’ve had only BBQ whole lamb (Kao Xuan Yang Rou) & BBQ Mutton Skewers during my earlier road trips along the Silk Road of China & Beijing :

And hey these above Fried Eggs are real delicious too – very homely-tasty!!! I love it!!

Hey, are these above Tea Leaf Eggs (or “Cha Ye Dan” in Chinese)??? Hmm…..I’ve tasted these Chinese Cha Ye Dan during my last visit to Beijing & they’re really nice!! Hahaaa I like its special unique stove too!!

Haha these must be flower-like Lettuces for sure ha!! Really reminded me of the many beautiful colorful ones I’ve seen in Korea!!! Mmmm I must find time to post my past Korean travels pics too huh heheh!!

Oh looking at these prepacked Drum Sticks & Chicken Feets also remind me of the Mini Marts in Shanghai & Beijing, where there’re all kinds of prepacked Food stuffs available on sales!! How convenient & so very interesting!!

Shortly after, my brother-in-law Ah Hia & I arrived at Kuitun, which is located between Wusu & Shihezi on the Railway from Urumqi to Kazakhstan (close to a Desert), in lli Kazakh Autonomous Perfecture, at Xinjiang :

Ha there’s even a Muslim Restaurant here at Orient International Hotel in Kuitun City – but of course since Kuitun’s situated in the Uygur Chinese Muslim Xinjiang community where no Pork is to be served :

Heheh Daylight savings in China huh?!?!? Reminds me fondly of my uni & travelling days in Australia where we’ve got bright skies till close to 10pm at nights – that was really sooo cool!!!!

YES YES Kuitun’s such a lovely city where upon our earlier arrival from Tianchi Tianshan in our Chinese Tour Coach, we noticed rows & rows of neat beautiful colorful flowers everywhere ) Really pretty!!

Here’s a pic of my Doc Marten Shoes with the 2RBM Red Dragon & Phoenix Shoe Pads which I just bought from Ah Yi (Mandarin for “Auntie“) – beautiful huh?!?  Btw this pair of Shoes has been with me since my uni days in Australia & it’s travelled far & low & high with me on my many road & mountain trips – I’m happy it’s got its brand new Show Pads now

It’s finally dark here at Kuitun City after Ah Hia & I walked & shopped around for some time…….

And here’s my favourite purchase of the night – a pretty RED hooded Bubble Doll Coat with color embroidered  Flowers by the sides

What a great 9th day & nite here in my Mysterious Silk Road with Deluxe Express Train Tour in Xinjiang, China – where we first had the most wonderful Tianchi Tianshan Boat Cruise in the midst of the spectacular beautiful Bogda Mountains, then arriving here at lovely Kuitun City for a most relaxing nite out shopping & strolling in the pretty streets…….life’s a bless ))

Before I pen off, please enjoy my following Slideshow of pics taken of the Orient International Hotel here in Kuitun CIty, Xinjiang – Silk Road of China :

And it’s so beautiful out here – the air is so fresh & the whole place’s simply so serene……………

I’m now standing at the entrance staircase to Xiwangmu Hotel – with amazing views of Alphine beauty of the Silk Road of China at its grandest!!

And while waiting for our whole tour group to check out of  Xiwangmu Hotel, I shop at the Hotel’s lobby Souvenirs Shop & got the following Jade Pendants which are on sales at 10 RMB each – heheh very good buys!!

Me standing outside Queen Mother Palace Restaurant after Breakfast :

What a most beautiful sight of the Heavenly Lake & Mountain (Tianchi Tianshan)……………

The Bogda Mountains (or “God Mountains“) is 150 miles long averaging 13,000 feet elevation – forming the northern perimeter of the Turpan Depression, with Snowcapped Peaks throughout the year!

And behind me are lovely Mountainsides covered with luxuriant Pines & Cypresses……………..

From here, one can either choose to get off to visit the Hsi Wangmu’s Ancestor Temple or continue on the Tianchi Boat Cruise……………..

Here’re views of Tianshan (Heavenly Mountain) facing the Temple :

Our Boat Cruiser is now moving away from the Hsi Wangmu’s Ancestor Temple after letting some Tourists off…………..

Hahah I am really enjoying this Tianchi Boat Cruise with such fantastic views of the Heavenly Lake & Mountains, & I’m feeling extremely glorious!!!

Let’s look at more close-up views of the pretty Pines & Cypresses by the Heavenly Mountainside (Tianshan)………….

I’m now going shopping at the Tianchi Tianshan Souvenirs shops near the Exit of the Yacht’s Quay :

And the following very warm pretty Fury Hat for myself :

Chinese Legend of Hsi Wangmu’s Tianchi ( Heavenly Lake) – “Ding Hai Shen Zhen” :

Hey there’s a Traditional Cultural Uygur Costumes Rental Stall behind me down below – I’m so excited as i can’t wait to be dressed as a Uygur lady for photography haha!!

Here I am seated by the rock of Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) – a Reddish pink Ugyur lady…………

Now, I’ve changed to a different Headdress & possing with a local Uygur Man holding the popular traditional Uygur String Instrument - Dutar :

And I’m now wearing a different 3rd Headdress with my Tour mate…………….

Below shows the Traditional Cultural Uygur Costumes Rental Stall where I just wore the Ugyur Dress for photos-taking :

I’m now back at the carpark of Tianchi Tianshan where we’re waiting for our Buggy to take us back to our Tour Coach :

As there’s some free time before our Buggy arrives, I wonder around the neighbouring Tianchi centre in search of Uygur Souvenirs, & I’m so lucky & happiest to have spotted these following most beautiful Cultural Uygur Dolls :

I also bought the following 2 lovely handmade Wooden Dolls :

Here’s a pic of Xiwangmu Hotel at the foot of the far-away Mountain, among the many lovely Pine Trees & Cypresses, where we stayed last night here in Tianchi Tianshan :

And while waiting for the rest of our Tour mates to be back at our Tour Coach, I quickly ran to buy one more Black Fury Hat - so now I’ve got 2 of them!!

Haha I simply adore them so much – they’re of very good quality keeping one real warm, & they’re so cheap & gorgeous looking!!

Once again, I’m enjoying the outside views of beautful Tianshan (Heavenly Mountain) with its Cable Cars riding up & downhill…………….

And as our Tour Coach travels out of the long windy roads of Tianshan (Heavenly Mountain), we catch glimpses of the following Chinese words inscripted on the Mountainside that read “Tien Kai Yi Men, You Xing Chong Lai” meaning “Sky Door opens – bringing Happiness back again” :

Indeed it felt like I’ve just visited Heaven & had much peacefullness & happiness enjoying the entire Heavenly paradise – & making me feel really blessed as I bid farewell to Tianchi Tianshan!!